American Baptists focus on clergy health

Christian Century, June 5, 2002

In response to reports of clergy burnout, the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. has decided to make wellness a priority issue for its ministerial leadership over the next five years.

"We concluded that often ministerial leaders do not seek their own wellness because the community expects them to do many other things," said Ivan E. George, executive director of the Ministerial Leadership Commission of the American Baptist Churches.

George said the new emphasis will give clergy "a sense of permission" to take care of themselves in addition to planning budgets, marrying couples and tending to the sick. In 2000, American Baptist clergy totaled more than 8,900 men and women.

The commission has created a definition of "clergy health" that includes balanced nutrition, emotional well-being, periods of spiritual reflection and a sense of fulfillment with one's job. George said the church community should be involved in maintaining a minister's health by providing opportunities for retreats and resources for sabbaticals.

What we are saying is that we need to change our cultural values so that his or her wellness is as important as his or her achievement," George said in an interview. The new approach was approved at a recent commission meeting following a yearlong study that showed ministers were experiencing burnout and other problems.--RNS